December Already – Barbara Baker

 

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Thank goodness for the picture option on my phone that lets me scroll through the last 12 months to see what I’ve been up to. Otherwise, I’d be wondering where the time went and if I actually accomplished anything. 

 

  

Unfortunately, my writing progress was not as active or colourful as my pictures.

I started 2025 all gangbusters with good intentions to write every single day because I wanted this to be my best writing year ever. Unfortunately, my good intentions were intermittent at the very least. And the more intermittent they got, the easier it was to walk away and turn down the guilt volume. 

Of course I racked up many excuses why I wasn't writing. I also made compromises and even bribed myself with rewards (often chocolate) to do better tomorrow. All of that squeezed out 22,000+ words. Many more required to finish the tale.

But hey, I attended a writers’ conference, so I get points for that, right? And I’ve edited many words from writer friends – possibly worth a few more points? I talked writing with writers and read numerous articles about writerly stuff. Does that count? 

 

I’ve mentioned before that each book I’ve written has come together through a different process.

·    Summer of Lies - I plunked away from the beginning to the end.

·    What About Me? - I had numerous scenes and a theme before I started.

·    Jillian of Banff XO - I knew what the beginning, middle and end were going to be before I started.

But Book 4 has been brutal. My muse will not let me leave a scene unless I’ve nailed it. Back and forth. Line by line. Over and over. Again. I have jot notes on what happens next but when I go to write them, the previous scene pulls me back. Sometimes it even needs research – so down that rabbit hole I go.

It’s frustrating in a funny way because I know it’s happening. And yet I can’t fight it. If you have any hints on how to move forward, let me know.

After the craziness of the holiday season passes I promise to get back to my productive 5 AM wake up routine and hammer out a complete draft of Jillian’s Book 4 by the end of 2026. You know I’m a procrastinator so I need you to hold me to it.

  

Enough about my writing dilemma. With the holiday season upon us, here’s more trivia:

        Weird Christmas traditions:

• In some parts of South Africa, fried caterpillars are considered a festive delicacy for Christmas. I think I’ll stick with turkey.
• Spiders and spiderwebs are considered good luck on Christmas. I will not be doing any housecleaning prior to this holiday season.

• In Germany and Austria, St. Nicholas has a menacing partner named Krampus, a devilish figure who punishes naughty children and, in some folklore, drags them to hell. Also in Austria, they have a Krampus Parade where a goat-like demon punishes naughty children. Kind of puts a damper on the festive guy in red and his team of reindeer.
• A bizarre but beloved Christmas tradition in Catalonia, Spain involves the Tió de Nadal (The Pooping Log). A wooden log is decorated with a face that is "fed" treats throughout December and kept warm under a blanket. On Christmas Eve, kids hit the log with sticks to make it ‘poop’ candy and presents. I don’t know what to say.
• Eating KFC in Japan became a popular tradition after a successful 1974 marketing campaign. Again, I'll stick with turkey.

• Only in Iceland - 13 troll-like brothers visit children's homes during the 13 nights before Christmas. They leave gifts in shoes for good children or rotten potatoes for the naughty ones. If adults were included and the troll-like brothers knew of my current writing status, I'd find potatoes in my shoes.

As I start planning our annual Christmas games night, I want to wish you all a wonderful and festive season and the very best of wishes for 2026. Be happy. Be thankful. Be kind.

And thanks to everyone who's checked in to see how the snow conditions are. I very much appreciate the love.

 

Baker, Barbara - BWL Publishing Inc. (bookswelove.net)

Barbara Baker Author Page Facebook

 

 

Summer of Lies by Barbara Baker — BWL Publishing

What About Me? by Barbara Baker — BWL Publishing

Jillian of Banff XO — BWL Publishing

 

 

New Year’s Resolution – No Texting in the Bathroom / by Barbara Baker

 

 

Searching through Google sites I learned that 4,000 years ago the Babylonians started their year off by making a resolution. They believed if they honoured their goal, good fortune would follow them throughout the year. A typical resolution back then would be to pay off a debt or return borrowed farm equipment. 

Probably not quite this modern 

Current resolutions typically involve exercise, weight loss and saving money.

Well darn it all. My 2025 resolution doesn’t fit any of those categories. The only reason I even chose to make one this year is because I have a bad habit and I’m ashamed of it.

Back to Google to do research on the success rate of keeping a New Year’s resolution. Brace yourself. It’s dismal. One site states 88% of people fail within the first two weeks. That bit of information was almost enough to stop me from even attempting to start mine, but I love a challenge

My bad habit started innocently enough many months ago when the quiet ping from my iPhone, sitting on the kitchen counter, caught my attention while I was on the way to the bathroom. I grabbed it because it could be an important message. So, I read it while I was on the toilet. It wasn’t important. But I sent a response anyway. How efficient am I?

From then on, I got in the habit of taking my phone to the bathroom. Every time. In fact, I would look for it as if my body functions would not co-operate without its presence.

Not only did I read messages, I checked Facebook, swiped left to Instagram, scrolled news articles and I even read emails. Bathroom breaks took longer but I felt quite clever with my multi-tasking efficiency. Plus, I was keeping on top of all that was happening with friends and strangers, globally and locally.

In the middle of December, I responded, from the throne, to an email. I used full paragraph format, correct salutation and even added a P.S. That’s when I realized I had a problem. I may even have glanced over my shoulder to be sure no one saw where I’d sent the email from. 

If phones were still this big, it would never have become an issue 

Who did I think I was? And when did I think my life was so busy, I needed to respond to friend’s messages and scroll social media in the bathroom. I will admit here and now that I did not ever participate in this activity in a public washroom. Eww, the germs in there. 

 

Hence, my New Year’s Resolution evolved.

I Googled do people text while on the toilet? Surveys say 75% of people admit to texting while on the toilet. Phew. What a relief. The old saying ‘misery loves company’ is applicable here and now.

In order to break my habit, I knew I had to be held accountable.

I told my husband, “My New Year’s resolution is to not use my phone in the bathroom. No more texting or reading emails. Nothing. I’m quitting cold turkey.”

“You text in the bathroom?” he said. “Really?” And he walked away without saying another word. I think I’ve mentioned he’s a wise man.

To ensure success with my resolution, I practiced a few days at the end of December. I was confident it would be super easy to stop. But it wasn’t. I argued with myself to leave my phone in the kitchen. My husband would smile at me when I was successful. Other times, when the power of missing out on something took hold, he looked the other way.

Now, here I am, ten days into the New Year and I can guarantee that no phone use is happening in my bathroom. I have five days left to beat Google’s failure rate and hopefully continue on from there till the end of the year. Yes, I’ll admit I have been tempted but so far I haven’t caved. I’ve also noticed the baseboards in my bathroom could use a paint touch up and the ceramic tile floor needs buffing. I'll add those tasks to my things to do list.

Regardless, whether you made a resolution, I wish all the best for 2025 and may the year be kind to everyone. 

Baker, Barbara - BWL Publishing Inc. (bookswelove.net)

bbaker.write@gmail.com

Characteristics of Different Generations - Barbara Baker

 

 

In a conversation about my plan to write Book 4 of Jillian’s story, a friend suggested I research the Gen Z (or Zoomer) culture to ensure authenticity for my characters and an awareness of their era. Is it possible my own Baby Boomer mindset might be quite different? 

Hello Google. Research is a fabulous procrastination technique to avoid writing the story. And it took me down a rabbit hole.

Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. The Gen Z population were born between 1997 and 2012.

Google says the most significant difference between the two generations is their relationship with technology. I groan. Of course Gen Zers are better with smart phones, social media and getting information from the web in just a few taps. They’ve had access to it since they could walk. Baby Boomers got it in stages ... often over many years.

 

I remember the day I got to use the IBM electric typewriter in typing class. It was 1973. A jaw dropping experience in my world. No more pounding the keys on a manual typewriter. With the IBM electric, my typing speed flew off the charts. 

 

In 1982, I was introduced to the Wang Word Processor. My secretarial gig just got easier. No more scrunched paper in the trash. No more white-out. No more attempts to match the sheet of paper exactly in the typewriter so the corrector ribbon could fix the error. Okay, maybe our technology progression was slower, but it did progress.

Gen Z believe in a work life balance. So did I. I worked. And after work, I had a life. Same same, but different?

Gen Z expect a sense of fulfillment from their work. Is that the same as expecting a paycheque every two weeks? If so, I’m still on the same page.

Gen Z grew up with complete access to the Internet. When the internet became public in 1993, I had access. It was dial up. Often I had time to make a coffee … and drink it before the internet connected. But it worked. So did patience.

Gen Z are money driven. So was I. Back to the paycheque.

During this research, I got sidetracked with the similarities and took a dive down another rabbit hole to check out my parent’s era. They were part of the Silent Generation (born between 1928 – 1946).

The Silent Generation was known for keeping their heads down and working hard. That definitely describes my folks. The Silent Generation weren’t risk takers – stop the bus! My parents left Germany and came to Canada in the 50s. They left their family and friends behind. They didn’t speak English. And they knew no one. What a huge risk. But they never regretted it. 

The Silent Generation were disciplined, respectful, resilient and cautious with their money. Bang on. My parents excelled in each one of those categories. 

Depending on how you analyze it, there’s a combination of differences, similarities and generalizations between the generations. And enough fodder to continue writing Jillian’s story as she grows into a young adult totally immersed in life.

Enough with procrastinating. Enough with research. It’s time to settle in and write.

If you’re still looking for a summer read, here are the links to my Summer of Lies series:

Summer of Lies: Baker, Barbara: 9780228615774: Books - Amazon.ca

  

What About Me?: Sequel to Summer of Lies: Baker, Barbara: 9780228622833: Books - Amazon.ca

     

Jillian of Banff XO : Baker, Barbara, Duke, Renee: Amazon.ca: Books

I Survived Book Release Day - Hello Summer / Barbara Baker

 

Jillian of Banff XO is out in the world. Thank you to everyone who bought copies and made this possible. For a few days it held its own as an Amazon Best Seller and a Hot New Release in Fiction About Being a Teen. That was a wonderful surprise. 

The worry and fretting about release day has subsided and it’s fun to get messages from readers expressing their reactions and thoughts. I even received a few WTH texts which made me smile. Perfect. The story is getting reactions. Music to a writer’s ears. Trust me, all interactions with readers is greatly appreciated regardless of their comments or method of delivery.

After I receive each note, I put on my big girl panties and ask the reader if they can leave a review. It’s what writers live for and yes, I will admit, I force myself not to have the Amazon or Goodreads review page on speed dial. I’ve made a deal with myself to only check the reviews twice a month. Yup, I already blew it. I have to wait until August 1st to check them again. 

As a result of the release day hoopla on social media, I now have tons of new friend requests. And so many promises that if I hire them to make a book trailer or market my book, I will attain super star status. It’s hard to sift through so many requests to determine their authenticity, so I delete them all. I did pause at a couple that said they found my profile picture stunning. I was never this popular in high school. Delete. Delete. 

With all of it in the rearview mirror, it’s time to drop off books at libraries and book stores. That, in itself, is a treat. And then to see them on display, well … stop my beating heart. 

And now it’s time to settle down and enjoy summer. 

The traffic heading west out of Calgary every morning is an indication there are lots of people enjoying staycations.

Day trips to Canmore and Banff keep both towns hopping and regardless of the weather, sidewalks are busy with tourists. Few of them seem to mind the ongoing construction or crowds, as selfie sticks wave out of car windows or above people’s heads, and everyone merges on queue while locals carry on with daily routines hardly grumbling at all. 

But you don’t have to get caught up in the hustle of the townsites. Within minutes of setting out on a hiking or biking trail, you can leave the busyness of it all behind and find a quieter spot.

 

You might even be lucky enough to come across some wildlife but be respectful - stay back and give them their space.

Enjoy all that summer has to offer.

Summer of Lies: Baker, Barbara:9780228615774: Books - Amazon.ca

 What About Me?: Sequel to Summer of Lies : Baker, Barbara: Amazon.ca: Books

 Jillian of Banff X0 | Universal Book Links Help You Find Books at Your Favorite Store! (books2read.com)

 

Spring Ahead with Trivia - Barbara Baker

 

Goodbye winter. Hello spring. Another round of setting clocks ahead is behind us as well as all the rant on social media about why we continue with this practice. Some people blame farmers for screwing with our circadian rhythm, but they're not the culprits. Cows and crops rely on the sun. Not clocks. Maybe that’s why Saskatchewan ignores time change.

In 1895, George Hudson, an entomologist, made the first attempt to introduce time change. He wanted the world to go ahead two hours in the spring so he could hunt bugs in daylight after his day-job ended. He was unsuccessful with his request.

Time change kicked in during WW1 and WW2 to optimize daylight hours and conserve energy. After each war, it was up to jurisdictions to decide whether they stuck with it. In the winter of 1974, permanent daylight-saving time came into play and children started walking to school in the dark. Hello logic.

But now I’m over time change and have moved onto hello spring. The hunt for the first crocus, first dandelion sighting and of course watching birds as they construct or renovate their nests.   

I checked some of my favourite nesting sites. Unfortunately, the great horned owl's home was gone. When I found the pile of sticks scattered at the base of the tree, my heart sank. Great horned owl parents raised their fuzzy owlets here for over a decade.

I went down the Google rabbit hole to determine whether owls rebuild in the same place. What I read, shocked me. Owls typically do not build their own nest. What? How did I not know this? They apparently take over a suitable nest from another bird and spruce it up to their liking. I’m a huge owl fan. Should I think less of them for being opportunists? Or more of them for conserving their energy?

Later that day I discovered owls aren't the only opportunists. A ballsy Canadian Goose honked at me from it's perch high in the tree. Last spring a bald eagle lived there with an unobstructed view of the Bow River. Maybe I have never given geese enough credit. Maybe they are smart.  

But the first flight for her goslings will be a true test of wing power.

Geese can be cheeky buggers.

And the bald eagle moved on, seemingly unperturbed about the nest thief.

Cowbirds don’t steal nests. They merely deposit their eggs in an already furnished home. If the eggs in the nest she selects are white with beige specks, the cowbird will lay her eggs with the exact same colour pattern.

After the cowbird lays her eggs (sometimes as many as six) in the unsuspecting nest of, let’s say, Mrs. Red-Winged Blackbird, she might peck tiny holes in the host’s eggs. This way her chicks won’t have to compete for food or attention. When Mrs. Cowbird leaves, she doesn’t go far. She sticks around for a while to keep an eye on her eggs.

Mrs. Cowbird may be a negligent mom, but she wants to make sure Mrs. Red-Winged Blackbird has adequate mothering skills. If she dares to push out any of Mrs. Cowbird’s eggs, well, female cowbirds have a way of getting even. She will return to the nest when it’s unattended and toss out the original eggs.

When Mrs. Red-Winged Blackbird proves she’s a worthy foster mother, Mrs. Cowbird flies away to enjoy her freedom. In just a few weeks, she’ll flit her wings at another dashing male cowbird and the process repeats itself. As for her young, they grow up knowing they're cowbirds without their mother ever being around.

Nature is fun and funny. 

And Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humour. She can still turn on the snow-switch randomly for a few more months.

 

 

You can contact me at: bbaker.write@gmail.com

Summer of Lies: Baker, Barbara:9780228615774: Books - Amazon.ca

What About Me?: Sequel to Summer of Lies : Baker, Barbara: Amazon.ca: Books

So You've Finished Your Novel... Now What? by Vanessa C. Hawkins

 

 

 Vanessa Hawkins Author Page

    

Yes! You see correctly! I have finally included another cover amongst my books! Twice Hung is finally finished (at least the draft) and I can rest easy knowing that it has now flown off to visit the editors, who will--hopefully--rip it apart until I cry and feel sorry for myself. A good editor does that, ya know. Any editor that tells you the first draft is perfect is... well, fibbin'. Get you a Doctor Frankenstein if you can, because an editor that can take a few bare bones and help you to stick some meat on them, is worth every penny. Really though. But what do you do after you write a novel? In my case... start a new one! But if you aren't ready for that, just sit back and bask in your ability to follow through on an idea.

... I was going to end the blog there for comedic effect, but I DID follow through! I finished a book!

I think I'll watch an entire crime docuseries... With icecream... What do you do to celebrate when you finish a book? After George R. R. Martin finishes a book he...

Just kidding! George R. R. Martin never finishes books...